‘The Artful Dodger’ Season 2 review: A refreshed Hulu historical romance

The Artful Dodger’s second season picks up six months after the first finale, with Jack Dawkins imprisoned and facing execution before a last-minute salvation that places strain on his relationship with Lady Belle Fox. The series continues to reimagine Dickens by following Jack’s life in the British colony of Australia and keeping the central romance between Jack (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) and Belle (Maia Mitchell) at its core.

Season 2 introduces new creative collaborators — costume designer Marion Boyce, set designer Gabrielle S. Carey, and directors Ben Young and Ben C. Lucas alongside returning director Gracie Otto — and the reviewer says their work yields a lusher, more expansive world.

New writing voices including Kate Mulvany and Miranda Tapsell are credited with refining the show’s tone and helping it avoid a typical sophomore slump.

the artful dodger, season 2, jack dawkins, lady belle fox, thomas brodie-sangster, maia mitchell, british colony of australia, imprisoned and facing execution, last-minute salvation, marion boyce, gabrielle s. carey, ben young, ben c. lucas, gracie otto